How can I have a personal relationship with God?
REALIZE the separation that exists between God and mankind is due to sin (any action or thought that leads us away from God.) Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of God's glorious standard."
RESPOND to the solution God has for this separation - Jesus Christ. God sent his Son, Jesus, to earth to pay for the sin-debt that mankind owed. You respond by telling God that you accept his solution. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
REPENT from sin. That simply means to make a 180° turn. It means moving from ignoring God to allowing Him to lead and guide your life.Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
RELATE to God through reading the Bible, talking and listening to Him in prayer, and worshipping Him together with others who are seeking God just like you. Romans 5:11 - "So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God - all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God."